The SPCO

Long time friends, SPCO concertmaster Steven Copes and pianist Shai Wosner played Beethoven to open their Music in the Park recital.

Frida Kahlo comes to life again in a stunning set of songs by the American Latina composer Gabriela Lena Frank written for Dawn Upshaw and the Saint Paul Chamber orchestra.

Gustav Mahler called it "probably the most personal composition I have created thus far" - Das Lied von der Erde - The Song of the Earth. This Saturday at 8:00 you'll have a front row seat for a spectacular setting arranged for smaller forces by Arnold Schoenberg when we broadcast live the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with their new artistic partner Edo de Waart and the thrilling up-and-coming mezzo, Sasha Cooke.

Baritone Matt Tintes is currently in his second season with Cantus. Originally from Fargo, N.D., Eric's education background includes a BS in Secondary Vocal Music Education from North Dakota State University and an MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Here, he shares his thoughts on the joy of collaborating with the SPCO, the northern lights and his surprising admiration for David Hasselhoff.

Adam Reinwald is currently in his thirteenth season with Cantus. Originally from Eugene, Ore., Adam's education background includes a BM in Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College. Here, he shares his thoughts on the importance of tooth-brushing and socks, his fondness for the White Stripes and his hobbies.

Former Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Artistic Partner Nicholas McGegan has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Patrick Castillo from Music@Menlo joins the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra as their new Director of Artistic Planning.

Harry Bicket is described as a "Baroque Specialist" - a title he says he doesn't mind, though it hardly describes the depth of his expertise which is far deeper than merely the 18th century. Bicket leads the SPCO this weekend in a fascinating coming-together of music from both Baroque and modern times.

Violinist Gil Shaham solos with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra this weekend playing Mendelssohn and a lesser known work - though equally splendid - by Haydn. Tune in to Classical MPR on Saturday at 8 p.m. for the live broadcast hosted by Alison Young.

John Birge talks with Layton "Skip" James on leaving the SPCO.